Hugh McGahan: New Kiwi spirit re-ignites our burning passion

Irrespective of the result on Friday, there can't be any complaints nor concerns re the Kiwis' performance against the extremely determined Kangaroos.

I am not one to give excuses for losing as it is normally a case of 'get on with it and stop complaining', but I thought the referee and his sideline officials left a lot to be desired. There were significant errors made that favoured the Australians which directly led to tries. I gave the benefit of the doubt to these officials after last week's fixture as there are always anomalies in performances but to see it two weeks in a row was more than I could handle.

However, forward power and aggressive defence has been key for the Kiwis. In the past, they've lumbered forward and relied on individualism. Off the back of this domination, opportunities have presented themselves and the halves have exploited the retreating defence. I'ts simple yet it appears that a complex game plan has been used. All this team has done is follow a strategy which, on the face of it, is as simple as your ABCs. But matters are more complex when you analyse the environment in which the team is working.

Man-management is a term often frivolously used. It is not just a matter of keeping people happy in an attempt to extract an outcome, as this only has a short-term result. Keeping people happy is easy - having them believe is an art not many understand. Belief in not only their abilities but also the hierarchy; the strategy; belief in friendship; and belief in honesty, which prevails in times of adversity.

It is the bringing together of different personalities and individuals to form a common bond among equals.

Brian McClennan has achieved a coaching ethic that no other has in recent times: "Hey guys, we are from where you guys are from. A working-class background where honesty and openness is valued."

Many people say these words but not many have the ability to say it and have it believed. This, I feel, is a major reason why this team has something special about it. The players have sensed this and responded in a way we have not seen in a long time. There is a passion in their game, a comfort in their ability, a belief in the vision of their play and, finally, no fear of reprisal if things do not go according to plan.

It has been a long time since I have had enough confidence to say that this group of people will win more games than it loses. Although it is essentially the same players from the previous two-three years, they now have that air of belief.

I liken it to a time when Graham Lowe brought it to a group of players in the early- to mid-80s, when I was fortunate enough to be part of it.

Respect of us as individuals and as a team was paramount to our success. In 1983 we drew a series against the Aussies, in 1984 we pulverised a Great Britain team here at home and, in 1985, were unlucky not to win our first two tests against Australia when last-minute tries in both games defeated us before we demolished them 18-0 in the third fixture at Carlaw Park.

Later that year we again drew a series against the Poms over there.

What that team had I see in this team - the ability to compete right to the end and not capitulate when the going got tough.

Thank you Brian McClennan and Graham Norton for rekindling what a lot us thought was gone from our sport. The passion for the jersey, the love of our game and the desire to be honest on the field.